Red Bull Italy SailGP Team returns to Europe for Portsmouth

The Solent has always been one of the most celebrated racecourses in international sailing. The waters between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have provided the setting for some of the most significant chapters in the history of the sport, hosting many of the world’s most prestigious regattas. Just a few miles away are Southampton, one of the United Kingdom’s leading ports, and Cowes, widely recognised as one of the world’s sailing capitals thanks to the historic Cowes Week and its deep-rooted connection with the America’s Cup. It is against this backdrop that the Rolex SailGP Championship, the world’s fastest sailing series, now takes centre stage, combining tradition and cutting-edge technology in a spectacle like no other.

Portsmouth remains one of the most spectacular race venues on the entire SailGP calendar. The area is renowned for its strong winds, which produce highly dynamic racing and consistently deliver world-class action. Another capacity crowd is expected for the British event, with the SailGP Race Stadium grandstands set to be packed as spectators watch the F50s perform their manoeuvres just metres from the shoreline.

The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team arrives in Portsmouth following a series of Atlantic events that confirmed the team’s steady progress. Throughout the season, the team has continued to improve not only in terms of results, but above all in its understanding, resilience and cohesion. The challenges faced during the previous events have brought the team even closer together, and it is now ready to take on a new challenge at one of the most prestigious venues in the championship. Last year, Portsmouth saw the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team secure an encouraging fifth-place finish, a result that now provides an important benchmark ahead of its return to the British racecourse.

For the British event, the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team will line up with Phil Robertson as driver and Jana Germani as strategist. They will be joined by SailGP and America’s Cup champion Kyle Langford as wing trimmer, Andrea Tesei as flight controller, two-time Olympic medallist Will Ryan as grinder 2, and former Luna Rossa grinder Matteo Celon as grinder 1. Enrico Voltolini will continue to be part of the team’s roster, reflecting the squad’s commitment to constantly expanding its pool of athletes. In a championship such as SailGP, characterised by an extremely demanding schedule and continuous technical and sporting development, having an increasing number of highly trained sailors available is a key factor in the project’s long-term growth.

The event will follow the group format introduced by SailGP for 2026 Qualifying Rounds. The 13 teams will be divided into two groups, with seven teams in Group A and six in Group B. The format is designed to reduce congestion during the starting phases and at the first mark, thereby limiting the risk of collisions, boat damage and injuries to crew members. At the end of the qualifying races, the top two teams from each group will advance to the winner-takes-all Final, which will determine the event champion.

Jimmy Spithill, CEO of the team: “Portsmouth really can produce anything in terms of weather-but one thing you can guarantee is sold out grand stands and huge crowds over the weekend. Looking forward to a great weekend of racing” Everything is in place for another weekend of high-intensity action, as the Rolex SailGP Championship once again brings together some of the world’s leading sailors at one of the most famous racecourses in international sailing.

Racing will be broadcast in Italy on Sky Sport and on the SailGP YouTube channel. The opening race is scheduled for Saturday, 25 July, at 4:30 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. CEST), ahead of the traditional Super Sunday, which will determine the winner of the seventh event of Season 6.